Like many of you, our hearts are heavy after the Newtown shootings. It will be the topic of of many conversations in the coming weeks. From the corner barber shop to the White House, Americans will be talking about gun control, mental health resources and the memories of those who were taken that day.
As we mourn the losses at Sandy Hook, we also remember the tragedies that occurred at a shopping mall in Oregon, a temple in Wisconsin, a movie theater in Colorado, and the violence that occurs in cities throughout our country every day. The list is long and despairing.
Let’s take this moment to make a change. Let’s replace the violence with a kinder America.
We have the power to create a kinder culture in our towns, state and country. This power comes from our character. This power comes from standing up for what is right, being a leader for positive change, and being an example to those around us.
Standing up for what is right isn’t always easy and big changes won’t happen overnight. It is going to take each one of us intentionally working every day to be more caring, more compassionate, and more forgiving.
Here’s a few ways that you can get started today:
- Remember that we are each fighting our own battles. We don’t know all that goes on in other people’s lives. Your kindness may be all that someone receives today.
- Show others respect. Treat them how you want to be treated.
- The next time someone cuts you off in traffic — just let it go. Assume it was an honest mistake and move on.
- Take part in some random acts of kindness. You’ll make someone else’s day and you’ll feel good for doing it.
- Forgive graciously.
- Recognize the positive. There is already so much good that happens everyday. Don’t let it be overshadowed by the negative.
We are starting now. We are recommitting to build a current that will sweep the nation in kindness and respect.
Join us.
- The staff of Character Counts In Iowa
Scott, Kitty, Amy, Cheri, Mark, Gina, Georgia & Carly
